The Bee Foundation Ambassadors have shared some tips on some of the things that you can do once home after leaving the hospital. Using these tips can help get you back into a routine and help your healing journey along. The Ambassadors have had many challenges when coming home and not really knowing what to do and expect. With these tips we hope to help everyone coming home and in recovery have a smooth transition and help the journey along.
- Take things slowly.
- Ask for information, such as pamphlets and reading material.
- Make a list of your medications. Along with that, make a schedule and have a pill box handy and set timers to help remind you of your medication times.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Have someone go to appointments with you. This helps, as you might forget to ask something. Make a list of questions and take notes so that you have the information when you get home.
- Adapt your home for your new needs, such as shower chairs, cutting boards. Look into device rentals to help with costs.
- Accept help, even when you think you won’t need it. Let people drop things off, or leave at your door in case you don’t feel like entertaining.
- Have ice on hand for headaches. There will be pain, but it will get better over time.
- You may be sensitive to light, sound, hot and cold weather.
- Believe you will improve. Be patient, it takes time.
The following are some thoughts from our Ambassador Jalessa. Think about these and remember the healing process takes time. Don’t rush your recovery and always listen to your body.
Jalessa Matthews-
“Allow your friends to support you. They can’t solve your problems, and you shouldn’t expect them to, but allow them to sit with you and hug you through your pain. Healing can feel isolating, but it doesn’t always have to be. Unfortunately, our world isn’t made for people who need extra support, so be patient with your body as you learn to navigate new terrain. Look in the mirror and speak love and kind words to yourself. If you practice a spiritual practice or religion, lean into it a little more than ever before. You will question “it” and yourself a lot. That’s okay! It’s part of the process. Leaning into the thing that broke me has been healing. I still have a very long way to go until I’m better mentally, physically, and emotionally. I no longer put a time estimate on that progress. However, finding community and being able to express the ins and outs of my life’s heartbreak, has given me a real peace-not perfected peace, but a guiding light to brighter days.”
